The Public Works Department is taking up the revamp of a bridge used by the rulers of erstwhile Travancore to visit the Sree Krishna temple close to his summer palace here.
As per the stone carving on the side of the bridge, it was constructed in 1904 and the ‘Sangu’ (conch) emblem of Travancore prominently figures on the top. Only iron and carved stones are used for the construction of the two-pillar bridge. Though the iron structure corroded, the bridge was strong enough to withstand the onslaught of time.
Heritage intact
The PWD plans to keep its heritage tag intact while restoring it . The agency has earmarked ₹38 lakh for the work which has just started.
PWD assistant executive engineer Deepa B. told The Hindu on Monday that though the fund was initially allocated for the reconstruction of the bridge, later it was decided to maintain the bridge to keep its heritage tag.
The bridge is still used by the local people though another came up near it across the Azhutha river on the Kollam-Theni National Highway.
The bridge, on the old road from the Peerumade town to the temple, was construed for the exclusive use of the Maharajas. The entrance from the road to the temple was through the right side of the sanctum sanctorum.
Though not much information on the construction is available, it is similar to the bridges constructed during the British period in the tea plantation areas. A bridge at Vandiperiyar on the national highway built in the the same period was in use till recently.
“Many bridges built after this had disappeared, though it was till recently used for vehicular traffic,” said Sabu Thomas, a resident.
Foundation to be strengthened
The foundation would be concreted to strengthen the pillars, without interfering with the original structure, said Ms. Deepa. The remains of the iron structure would also be strengthened and maintained.
The bridge was almost in an abandoned state when the PWD took up the restoration work. The two ends of the bridge were damaged by tree roots, she said. Had the iron railing and the platform not corroded, the bridge could still have been used for vehicular traffic. Lack of maintenance work over the years also contributed to its damage.
The Maharajas who ruled Travancore used to visit Peerumade with their cavalcade during summers.
